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DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF EXPORTING WITH AN EMPTY BANK ACCOUNT, NO EXPERIENCE, NO OFFICE APARTMENT AND AT YOUR OWN CONVENIENCE.
Please NOTE; This document is not a blog post, to be read once, It is a document that you may need to visit for reference and re – read often times. THANK YOU
Do you like the idea of running your own business? How would you like a tax deductible trip to foreign places a couple of times a year? The advantages of an export business are great.
Do you know that you can start and operate your own highly lucrative export business with little or no capital at your spare time and right from home?
What a good way to build up a successful business from nothing and have fun doing it? The export business may be your answer. You don’t need previous experience in the field but you should have a “GOOD HEAD” for organizing.
Not only does it require little or no financial investment, it also offers the prestige of working with clients from all over the world. This has been made possible due to the advancements in information and communication technology(ICT). Especially, the emergence of the INTERNET
The internet has transformed the world into a “GLOBAL VILLAGE” such that a commercial ginger farmer in KADUNA, NIGERIA can access the contact details of an importer of ginger based in HAMBURG, GERMANY.
Apart from accessing the foreign importers contact details, the farmer could still go ahead to call the product buyer with the aid of his GSM phone. The buyer and seller upon introduction and establishment of contact, could also go ahead to sign a sales contract for the export of a certain quantity of the product at an agreed price, convenient and secured method of payment without both parties seeing each other.
THAT IS THE POWER OF THE INTERNET.
Fulfilling a successful export business requires constant attention even to the minutest details that concerns the transaction.
If you have an ability to sell and an air of transparency and diplomacy, the export business might be right for you.
ALL YOU NEED IS THE DESIRE AND DETERMINATION
TO MAKE IT WORK.
As you progress in the business, many factors become obvious and easy to handle. For example, you’ll need to find a person to handle shipments called a “freight forwarder”.
And you’ll need to create solid contacts and strong relationships with reliable local product suppliers and also export merchants. But after a short time, you can be well on your way to making a sizeable income with a very low overhead.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KICK START THIS VENTURE?
Mobile phone
Bank account (savings or current)
Email address
Internet/ cyber café
Understanding of an export business process
The determination and desire to make it work
FACTS ABOUT ONLINE BASED EXPORT BUSINESS
No need to have a registered public/ private limited liability company with (CAC)
No need to register with Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
No capital investment required
You can operate as a part time business
A wonderful precedence before going into full time export business
HOW CAN YOU MAKE MILLIONS OF NAIRA IN ONLINE EXPORT- BIZ INVENTION?
It might interest you to know that the gap between you and the millions of naira waiting for you in this business is nothing but the “basic understanding of an export business process”. Understanding the fundamentals of an export business process especially as it concerns securing a
GENUINE EXPORT ORDER/ CONTRACT with a well secured method of payment, then you are on your way to making UNIMAGINABLE LOADS OF MONEY.
What you should do as an export entrepreneur is tosecure these contracts via the internet using the various trade portals listed in this manual and also aided with your GSM phone, you could start earning commissions which run into millions of Naira in few months depending on the size of the shipment. This manual contains all you may need to secure a “genuine export contract”. All you need to do is to read through, carefully understanding the elements of an export business process.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN
An export broker is a match maker. Becoming an export broker is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways any prospecting exporter can raise money to go into full time export business. The advantages are enormous.
Starting from a little or no capital, an export broker could earn large “finders fee” with absolutely unlimited income.
There is hardly another business requiring a negligible startup cost that can put you into a six figure bracket so quickly than online-based export business. It gives one the power, prestige and high respectability in his community.
Manufacturers of domestic goods seek foreign distribution of Nigerian commodities in the international market. You need to find the foreigners who want to buy the raw materials / goods of Nigerian origin. Make a solid connection and establish a business relationship with their companies.
GETTING STARTED
It might be slow at first, and you will need to plan your moves, make contacts and SELL YOURSELF. But once you make a few sales and sign several contracts, you will know that your dedication was worthwhile.
MAKING CONTACTS WITH FOREIGN BUYERS
The most important step in setting up your online based export business is finding the contacts of buyers. One of the ways of making contacts with foreign buyers of Nigerian commodities is by going online to establish instant contacts.
You can achieve this by signing up for FREE with cokodeal.com! or With most of the international trade directories which are listed on the internet. Some of such directories are listed in subsequent pages of this manual.
Other sources of foreign buyers are the foreign
consulates (embassies)
Another way to establish contacts is through the chamber of commerce of every city you are aiming for.
are only a few of these businesses that’s
why there is plenty room for more.
Government agencies such as Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) are great places to find help. This agency promotes export business.
ANALYSIS FOR THE EXPORTATION OF THE FOLLOWING COMMODITIES”
CHARCOAL
SESAME SEED
GINGER
BITTER KOLA
CASHEWNUTS
KOLA NUTS
GROUNDNUT
FOR YOU TO SOURCE A GENUINE EXPORT CONTRACT, YOU MUST BE WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE FUNDAMENTAL PROCEDURE AND RUDIMENTS OF AN EXPORT BUSINESS PROCESS. THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL TERMS (INCOTERMS) The INCOTERMS (International Commercial Terms) is a universally recognized set of definitions of international trade terms, such as FOB, CFR and CIF, developed by the
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. It defines the trade contract responsibilities and liabilities between buyer and seller. It is invaluable and a cost-saving tool. The exporter and the importer need not undergo a lengthy negotiation about the conditions of each transaction. Once they have agreed on a commercial term like FOB, they can sell and buy at FOB without discussing who will be responsible for the freight, cargo insurance, and other costs and risks.
TON (TONNE): This is the recognized international unit of measurement that is used in export. 1ton = 1000kg weight of any commodity. Hence if a foreign buyer orders for 10tons weight of goods, he is demanding for 10,000kg weight of the
product in question.
MT (METRIC TONNE): This incoterm could be used in place of the above as both mean the same thing in export.
EXW {+ the named place} Ex Works : Ex means from. Works means factory, mill or warehouse, which is the seller’s premise. EXW applies to goods available only at the seller’s premises. Buyer is responsible for loading the goods on truck or container at the seller’s premises, and for the subsequent costs and risks.
In practice, it is not uncommon that the seller loads the goods on truck or container at the seller’s premises without charging loading fee. In the quotation, indicate the named place (seller’s premises) after the acronym EXW, for example EXW Kobe and EXW San Antonio. The term EXW is commonly used between the manufacturer (seller) and export-trader (buyer), and the export-trader resells on other trade terms to the foreign buyers. Some manufacturers may use the term Ex Factory, which means the same as Ex Works.
FCA {+ the named point of departure} Free Carrier: The delivery of goods on truck, rail car or container at the specified point (depot) of departure, which is usually the seller’s premises, or a named railroad station or a named cargo terminal or into the custody of the carrier, at seller’s expense. The point (depot) at origin may or may not be a customs clearance center. Buyer is responsible for the main carriage/freight, cargo insurance and other costs and risks.
In the air shipment, technically speaking, goods placed in the custody of an air carrier is considered as delivery on board the plane. In practice, many importers and exporters still use the term FOB in the air shipment.
The term FCA is also used in the RO/RO (roll on/roll off) services. In the export quotation, indicate the point of departure (loading) after the acronym FCA, for example FCA Hong Kong and FCA Seattle. Some manufacturers may use the former terms FOT (Free On Truck) and FOR (Free On Rail) in selling to export traders.
FAS {+ the named port of origin} Free Alongside Ship Goods are placed in the dock shed or at the side of the ship, on the dock or lighter, within reach of its loading equipment so that they can be loaded aboard the ship, at seller’s
expense. Buyer is responsible for the loading fee, main carriage/freight, cargo insurance, and other costs and risks. In the export quotation, indicate the port of origin (loading) after the acronym FAS, for example FAS New York and FAS Bremen. The FAS term is popular in the break-bulk shipments and with the importing countries using their own vessels.
FOB {+ the named port of origin} Free On Board
CFR {+ the named port of destination} Cost and Freight
CIF {+ the named port of destination} Cost, Insurance and Freight
CPT {+ the named place of destination} Carriage Paid To The delivery of goods to the named place of destination (discharge) at seller’s expense. Buyer assumes the cargo insurance, import customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, and other costs and risks.
In the export quotation, indicate the place of destination (discharge) after the acronym CPT, for example CPT Los Angeles and CPT Osaka.
CIP {+ the named place of destination} Carriage and Insurance Paid To The delivery of goods and the cargo insurance to the named place of destination (discharge) at seller’s expense. Buyer assumes the import customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, and other costs and risks. In the export quotation, indicate the place of destination (discharge) after the acronym CIP, for example CIP Paris and CIP Athens.
DAF {+ the named point at frontier} Delivered At Frontier The delivery of goods to the specified point at the frontier at seller’s expense. Buyer is responsible for the import customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, and other costs and risks.
In the export quotation, indicate the point at frontier (discharge) after the acronym DAF, for example DAF Buffalo and DAF Welland.
DES {+ the named port of destination} Delivered Ex Ship The delivery of goods on board the vessel at the named port of destination (discharge), at seller’s expense. Buyer assumes the unloading fee, import customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, cargo insurance, and other costs and risks. In the export quotation, indicate the port of destination (discharge) after the acronym DES, for example DES Helsinki and DES Stockholm.
DEQ {+ the named port of destination} Delivered Ex Quay. The delivery of goods to the quay (the port) at destination at seller’s expense. Seller is responsible for the import customs clearance and payment of customs duties and taxes at the
buyer’s end. Buyer assumes the cargo insurance and other costs and risks. In the export quotation, indicate the port of destination (discharge) after the acronym DEQ, for example DEQ Libreville and DEQ Maputo.
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DDU {+ the named point of destination} Delivered Duty Unpaid The delivery of goods and the cargo insurance to the final point at destination, which is often the project site or buyer’s premises, at seller’s expense. Buyer assumes the import
customs clearance and payment of customs duties and taxes. The seller may opt not to insure the goods at his/her own risks. In the export quotation, indicate the point of destination (discharge) after the acronym DDU, for example DDU La Paz and DDU Ndjamena.
DDP {+ the named point of destination} Delivered Duty Paid The seller is responsible for most of the expenses, which include the cargo insurance, import customs clearance, and payment of customs duties and taxes at the buyer’s end, and the delivery of goods to the final point at destination, which is often the project site or buyer’s premises. The seller may opt
not to insure the goods at his/her own risks.
In the export quotation, indicate the point of destination (Discharge) after the acronym DDP, for example DDP Bujumbura and DDP Mbabane.
In practice, trade terms are written with either all upper case letters (e.g. FOB, CFR, CIF, and FAS) or all lower case letters (e.g. fob, cfr, cif, and fas). They may be written with periods (e.g. F.O.B. and c.i.f.).
In international trade, it would be best for exporters to refrain, wherever possible, from dealing in trade terms that would hold the seller responsible for the import customs clearance and/or payment of import customs duties and taxes and/or other costs and risks at the buyer’s end, for example the trade terms DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay) and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Quite often, the charges and expenses at the buyer’s end may cost more to the seller than anticipated. To overcome losses, hire a reliable customs broker or freight forwarder in the importing country to handle the import routines. Similarly, it would be best for importers not to deal in EXW (Ex Works), which would hold the buyer responsible for the export customs clearance, payment of export customs charges and taxes, and other costs and risks at the seller’s end.
EXPORT DOCUMENTS
In a bid to ensure a well documented export transaction, the federal government of Nigeria has approved the following documents to ensure a successful export transaction. These documents include:
- CERTIFICATE OF INCOPORATION
- EXPORT LICENCE
III. PROFORMA INVOICE
- FINAL COMMERCIAL INVOICE
- PARKING LIST
- NIGERIAN EXPORT PROCEEDS (NXP) FORMS
VII. REQUEST FOR INSPECTION (RFI)
VIII. LETTER OF MANDATE
- BILL OF LADING
- SINGLE GOODS DECLARATION (SGD) FORM
Exporters incentives and address links is available on the next blog post, kindly check
3.0. HOW TO SOURCE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT
Every exporter is strongly advised for their best financial interest to select product(s) which they intend to export based on accessibility and availability (such that it must be easily sourced). The said export products should be
procured from merchants who are based in rural areas where such products are either grown or produced. If the product is manufactured, hence the exporter should buy from the direct manufacturer. The reason for the above exercise is such that the exporter could procure the export goods at a very cheaper price for profit maximization and also for the exporter to remain competitive in the international market. With respect to the sensitiveness of export market requirements, prospective exporters are advised to source products from product merchant that understand the export market requirement of the commodity in question.
3.1. LIST OF EXPORTABLE PRODUCTS OF NIGERIAN
ORIGIN
Nigeria’s export policy is focused on non-oil export sector which comprises the following categories:
MANUFACTURED GOODS
Alkylate
Aluminum
Auto components
Alcoholic beverages
Baby clothes & other baby products
Bottles (empty)
Billets
Chemicals
Carbon black
Cocoa butter
Cocoa cake
Cocoa powder
Cocoa liquor
Confectioneries
Cosmetics & Soaps
Cylinders
Detergents
Doors (wooden)
Drilling equipment
Electrical wires
Furniture components
Filaments
Glass sheets
Glycerin
Hoof powder
Insecticides
Lubricants
Malt drinks
Palm kernel cake
Peugeot cars
Leather & Foot wears
Tires & tubes
Textiles & garments
Wire rod coils
Rebars/ round steel
Flat sheets
Semi blooms
Structures (Iron)
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES
Cassava
Cashew nut
Charcoal
Chilies (Dried)
Cocoa beans
Coffee
Cotton lint
Cotton seed
Cow horns
Fish
Fruits
Ginger
Groundnut
Gum Arabic
Kola nuts
Poultry
Rubber
Sesame seeds
Sheanuts
Shrimps
skins
Snails
Tobacco
Vegetable oil
Wheat pellets
Yam
SERVICES
Movies
Music and other services
SOLID MINERALS
Aqua marine
Bauxite
Columbite ore
Calcium carbonate
Coal
Gold
Galena
Gypsum
Ges
Iron ore
Kaolin
Lead ore
Marble stone
Pyrite
Sapphire
Tin
Tin metal ingot
Tourmaline
Tantalite
Wolframite
Zinc alloy ingot
Zinc ore
Zircon
HANDICRAFTS
Talking drums
Calabash carvings
Wood carvings
Raffia products
Metal carvings
Hand woven textiles
Beads
Pottery
Paintings (color & canvass)
PHARMACEUTICALS
Analgesics
Antibiotics
Disposable injections
Antipyretics
Anti malaria
Anti histamine
PROCESSED FOODS, VEGETABLE & SPICES
Ginger
Garlic
Ukazi
Cassava flour & derivatives
Garri
Locust beans
Yam flour
Plantain flour
Ground rice
Ground maize
Ground crayfish
Bitter leaf
Ground melon
Dehydrated vegetables
Horticultural products
Okra
Mangetout (French beans)
Mangoes
Pineapple
Sugar cane
Cut live flowers
3.2. EXPORT PRODUCT PROCESSING & QUALITY CONTROL
Since our major focus here is the export market, it is necessary to consider the processes involved in other to make it adequate for the export market. Some of the indexes which are of major focus when determining the quality of products to be exported include:
MOISTURE, ASH CONTENT, DIMENSION, COLOR, OIL
CONTENT, FREE FATTY ACID, ADMIXTURE E.T.C.
Sample of an export market requirement specifications for COAL
SAMPLE INDENTIFICATION
PERCENTAGE MASS
Moisture content………………………………………….0.1%
Ash Content………………………………………
4.0%
Volatility……………………………………………28%
Carbon Fix…………………………………………..80%.
Hydrogen………………………………………………..20%
Oxygen……………………………………………………12.5%
Nitrogen …………………………………………………….4.0%
Sulphur…………………………………………………………0.4
%
Other
Matter………………………………………………………0.01%
.
Subsequently, maintaining a good quality control is a prerequisite for a successful exporting business. This implies that products must be free of foreign matter such as stone, dirt, papers, nylon, etc. These will not only add unnecessary weight but might also contaminate the product especially such products that are useful for medical and food processes.
PRODUCT PACKAGING
It is important to note that there is no standard packaging method for any export product. The reason being that it is only the prospective importer that can specify the packaging method approved for a particular product in their country home. Therefore, exporters must seek the consent of their buyer before packaging. As a matter of fact, the packaging requirement will be clearly stated in the export contract which must be strictly adhered to.
In practice, most agro and allied commodities meant for export could be packaged in JUTE or POLY PROPYLENE (PP)/ MESH bags. Commodities like charcoal could be packaged in BULK such that the product is tipped directly
into the container without need for any packaging material.
International commodity pricing
It must be acknowledged that there is an approved international price for all exportable commodities. It is the responsibility of both the exporter and importer to agree on a price that will serve their interest. You can check the NEPC international price catalogue for more information. The international price of commodities is dependent on the following factors:
- Quantity and quality
- Local cost of procurement and logistics
iii. Terms of payment and delivery
- Prevailing local economic factors
METHODS AND TOOLS OF PAYMENT IN EXPORTING
The process of exporting is incomplete without receipt of payment. Export income is considered earned only when payment has been received. Below is the most recognized method of payment in exporting:
Letter of Credit (L/C)
The most popular and a safer method of international payment is by a confirmed irrevocable letter of credit at sight.
The documentary credit—letter of credit, documentary letter of credit, or commercial letter of credit—is an arrangement whereby the applicant (the importer) requests and instructs the issuing bank (the importer’s bank) or the issuing bank acting on its own behalf, pays the beneficiary (the exporter) or accepts and pays the draft (bill of exchange) drawn by the beneficiary, or authorizes the advising bank or the nominated bank to pay the beneficiary or to accept and pay the draft drawn by the beneficiary, or authorizes the advising bank or the nominated bank to negotiate, Against stipulated document(s), provided that the terms and conditions of the documentary credit are fully complied with. For purpose of maintaining uniformity in the text, the words “letter ofcredit“, “credit” and “L/C” are used on this website to refer to the documentary credit.
TYPES OF LETTERS OF CREDIT
Irrevocable versus Revocable Letters of Credit A letter of credit (L/C) can be irrevocable or revocable. The L/C usually indicates whether it is an irrevocable or revocable letter of credit. In the absence of such indication, the L/C is deemed to be irrevocable. Irrevocable Letter of Credit An irrevocable letter of credit cannot be amended or cancelled without the consent of the issuing bank, the confirming bank, if any and the beneficiary. The payment is guaranteed by the bank if the credit terms and conditions are fully met by the beneficiary. The words “irrevocable documentary credit” or “irrevocable credit” may be indicated in the L/C. In some cases, an irrevocable L/C received by the beneficiary may become invalid without the amendment or cancellation of such L/C, for example, when the trade between importing and exporting countries is suspended such as in a trade sanction, or when the issuing bank has ceased operation. There have been cases of an irrevocable L/C being amended without the consent of the beneficiary in the. The beneficiaries affected were export manufacturers from a developing country.
The importers were able to convince and instruct the issuing bank to amend the latest date for shipment in the L/C,changing to a date earlier than the agreed upon date, at which time the beneficiary would not be able to ship the OEM products. The importers used sneaky tactics that aimed to cause the beneficiaries to default in the delivery.
The intention of the importers was to cancel the orders from the existing OEM suppliers and buy from other suppliers in another developing country where the prices had become lower. In the event of an amendment like the above mentioned case, the beneficiary must give notification of rejection of amendment to the bank that advised the amendment at once.
Irrevocable and Without Recourse Letter of Credit
The irrevocable letter of credit received from an advising bank may be indicated as “irrevocable and without recourse documentary credit”. The words “without recourse” mean that the advising bank will not be able to recover the money paid to the beneficiary in case the issuing bank does not pay the advising bank.
Revocable Letter of Credit
A revocable letter of credit can be amended or cancelled by the issuing bank at any time without the consent of the beneficiary, often at the request and on the instructions of the applicant. There is no security of payment in a revocable letter of credit (L/C). The words “this credit is subject to cancellation without notice“,”revocable documentary credit” or “revocable credit” usually is indicated in the L/C.
The revocable L/C was not uncommon in the 1970’s and
earlier when dealing with less developed countries. It is
rarely seen these days in international trade.
Confirmed Irrevocable versus Unconfirmed Irrevocable
Letters of Credit
Confirmed Irrevocable Letter of Credit
An irrevocable letter of credit (L/C) opened by an issuing bank whose authenticity has been confirmed by the advising bank and where the advising bank has added its confirmation to the credit is known as confirmed irrevocable letter of credit. The words “we confirm the credit and hereby undertake …” or “we add our confirmation to this credit and hereby undertake …”
normally are included in the L/C.
An exporter whose method of payment is a confirmed irrevocable L/C is assured of payment even if the importer or the issuing bank defaults. The confirmed irrevocable L/C is particularly important from buyers in a country which is economically or politically unstable. In a confirmed letter of credit, the exporter or the importer pays an extra charge called the confirmation fee, which may vary from bank to bank within a country. The fee usually is added to the exporter’s account. The exporter may indicate in the sales contract that the confirmation fee and other charges outside the seller’s country are on the buyer’s account.
Unconfirmed Irrevocable Letter of Credit
An irrevocable letter of credit (L/C) opened by an issuing bank in which the advising bank does not add its confirmation to the credit is known as an unconfirmed irrevocable letter of credit. The promise to pay comes from the issuing bank only, unlike in a confirmed irrevocable L/C where both the issuing bank and the advising bank promise to pay the beneficiary.
Revolving Letter of Credit
When a letter of credit (L/C) is specifically designated “revolving letter of credit“, the amount involved when utilized is reinstated, that is, the amount becomes available again without issuing another L/C and usually under the same terms and conditions. The revolving L/C may be used in shipments of a wide range of goods to a buyer within a period of time (several months to one year usually).
DOCUMENTARY COLLECTION
Documentary collection is necessary when the draft is drawn on the importer. The exporter must give instructions to the collecting bank on what to do with the draft and shipping documents in documentary collection instructions, also
known as a collection letter or letter of instructions. Such letter provides the conditions under which the collecting bank can release documents to the importer and the actions to be undertaken. The format of the instruction forms and drafts may vary from bank to bank, but they basically have the same information. The forms and drafts are available at banks.
Uniform Rules for Collections
The Uniform Rules for Collections, ICC Publication No. 322, which describes the conditions governing collections including those for the presentation, payment and acceptance terms), is issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. The Uniform Rules for Collections and other ICC publications are available at your local Chambers of Commerce affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce.
“TENOR ”
The tenor is the credit term of the draft. It can be at sight (in a sight draft) or after sight or after date (in a term draft).
.
“… CASE OF NEED … ”
The case of need is the party in the importer’s country named by the exporter who may assist in obtaining payment or acceptance of draft or who may be empowered by the exporter to act fully on his/her behalf—waiving of protest, allowing a discount, etc. Whether the case of need is ‘for guidance’ or ‘accept their instructions’, put an X in the appropriate box.
… DOCUMENTS AGAINST PAYMENT ”
In the documents against payment (D/P) —documents on payment (DOP or D/P) —the documents attached to the draft (bill) drawn by the exporter and needed to obtain goods are deliverable to the importer only after he/she has paid the draft. The document against payment (D/P) applies to a sight draft.
” … DOCUMENTS AGAINST ACCEPTANCE ”
In the documents against acceptance (D/A) —documents on acceptance (DOA or D/A)—the documents attached to the draft (bill) drawn by the exporter and needed to obtain goods are deliverable to the importer only after he/she has accepted the draft for payment later. The documents against acceptance (D/A) applies to a term draft.
“REMIT PROCEEDS … ” When the payment is received by the collecting bank, it remits the proceeds to the remitting bank. The remitting bank then credits the account of the exporter, less applicable charges.
” PROTEST ” and
” DO NOT PROTEST ”
The protest is the legal action to be undertaken by the collecting bank, at the instructions of the exporter, in case the importer does not pay a sight draft, or does not accept a term draft, or does not pay an accepted draft on maturity. In practice, the protest usually is required by the exporter and it is made within three (3) working days after the presentation or maturity date. In certain countries, failure to protest may cause the exporter to lose the legal rights against the importer.
In cases where the instruction is ‘do not protest’, such
instruction may encourage inaction or deferred payment by the importer. In some countries, particularly in the West, protest against the importer may spoil his/her credit standing. Hence, the importer is encouraged to act promptly if ‘protest’ is instructed by the exporter.
“COLLECT INTEREST … ”
The interest charge, if any, normally is agreed upon between the exporter and importer. It is either built into the export price or collected separately. Under certain pre-arranged credit terms, a discount may be allowed on the early payment of a term draft.
“COLLECT ALL YOUR BANK CHARGES … ”
In practice, the collecting bank may not collect some of their charges despite that instructions to collect all their charges is given.
4.1.3. OPEN ACCOUNT
In an open account trade arrangement, the goods are shipped to a buyer without guarantee of payment. Quite often, the buyer does not pay on the agreed time. Unless the buyer’s integrity is unquestionable, this trade arrangement is risky to the seller.
4.1.4. CONSIGNMENT
In a consignment trade arrangement, the seller ships the goods to the buyer when there is no purchase made. The buyer is obliged to pay the seller for the goods when sold.
The seller retains title to the goods until the buyer has sold them.
4.1.5. CASH IN ADVANCE (CID)
The cash in advance, which is the safest term of payment, most often is effected using the cheque or bank draft. In some cases, the CID term is paid using the telegraphic transfer (T/T).
4.2. TOOLS/ INSTRUMENTS OF EXPORT PAYMENTS
Below are some of the means through which an exporter can repatriate proceeds of export:
4.2.1. CHEQUE AND BANK DRAFT
In exporting to the offshore countries, payment by cheque and bank draft occur more often in a small order, ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand U.S. dollars. Cheques and bank drafts are often used in open account and consignment trade arrangements. Both large and small companies may default in their payments, regardless of the amount involved. In times of economic uncertainty, both large and small companies may go out of business. It is important to receive the cheque or bank draft before releasing the shipment. Unless the integrity of the importer is known, it is very important to wait until the cheque or bank draft has cleared before the shipment. International clearing of cheques and bank drafts takes 3 to 4 weeks usually (except in a sight draft with a paying bank in the seller’s country).
Not all cheques and bank drafts are genuine, and not all genuine cheques carry a cash value.
.
4.2.2. TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER (T/T)
The telegraphic transfer—cable transfer or wire transfer–
–is the equivalent of a cash payment that can be credited directly to the seller’s account (the name and address of the seller’s bank and the seller’s bank account number are required by the buyer’s bank). It is fast and safe. Unlike a payment by cheque or bank draft, in which the mailing time alone may take several days to few weeks, plus the clearing time of 3 to 4 weeks for a total of about 4 to 6 weeks before the seller may receive the cash, by means of T/T the seller may receive the cash in a few hours or days. It is important to wait until the T/T has been received before making the shipment, especially when the integrity of the buyer is unknown.
For an exporter to successfully repatriate export proceeds, he must have an active cooperate domiciliary account with any reputable commercial bank in Nigeria. Such an account could be a Dollar, Euro or Pounds sterling. As a professional, I advise that every exporter should operate three currency accounts for flexibility. Upon opening of a domiciliary account, the exporter should request for his commercial bank’s offshore account details which must be presented to the foreign buyer in this format;
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT BANK: Eg CITIBANK
NEWYORK
ADDRESS OF CORRESPONDENT BANK: 111 WALL
STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10043, USA
ACCOUNT NUMBER… (USD/EURO/POUNDS)
SWIFT CODE…
ROUTING…
BENEFICIARY BANK…Eg SPRING BANK PLC
SWIFT CODE…
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO………..EXPORTERS
ACCOUNT NAME
ACCOUNT NUMBER… EXPORTERS DOMICILIARY
ACCOUNT NUMBER
Sample Document:
Documentary Collection Instructions and Draft
(Collection Letter and Draft)
TERMS OF EXPORT PAYMENT
The terms of payment valid are:
Bank transfer by means of payment order
Bank transfer by T/T
Cash against document (CAD)
Cash against delivery
Prepayment of a certain % of the contract value
Any other type of payment agreed upon
EXPORT CONTRACT
Having understood the primary rudiments on how to embark on an export transaction, the next step would be to seek a genuine foreign buyer/ consignee/ importer of the product that you have selected to export. The prospective importer might place an order for your products upon receiving you proposal/ letter of offer to supply the product in question.
The demand/ order for your goods by a foreign importer is called a firm EXPORT ORDER and you as an exporter must ensure that it is genuine.
This order must be constituted by
ELEMENT OF EXPORT SALES CONTRACT
Sales contract for export must contain the following elements.
Contract number
Full name and address of buyer and seller
Name of product/ goods
Product specifications
Quantity required
Packaging method and standard required by buyer
The agreed export price
Port of shipment (e.g. Tin can Island port)
Port of delivery (e.g. Antwerp port)
Terms of sale (FOB, CNF, CIF, etc.)
Method of payment (L/C, documentary collection, open account, etc.)
Shipment/ delivery term (e.g. Cargo to be shipped two weeks upon confirmation of payment instrument)
Contract value
Name and signature of representatives of both buyer and seller However, to get an export order or contract is the responsibility of the exporter.
ONLINE METHOD
The online method involves the use of online trade portals in locating trade leads posted on the internet indicating interest to purchase Nigerian products. It also involves the use of emails to respond to such offers to buy Nigerian products.
ROLES OF THE INTERNET IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
At this stage, I feel delighted to mention that the roles of the internet especially in international business cannot be over emphasized
It is the safest, fastest and cheapest means of communication.
You can freely source for the contact of interested buyers of any product.
Products can also be advertised to the whole world at a
peanut if not for free.
Considering the above therefore, the exporter must have a
valid and functional email address and must know how to
access it on the net, sending and receiving emails etc.
USEFUL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL TRADE DIRECTORIES
The most important step in establishing contact with foreign buyers in need of products of Nigerian origin is by signing up with any of the under listed trade directories
www.alibaba.com
www.cokodeal.com
www.howtrade.com
www.tradekey.com
www.busytrade.com
www.importers.com
You can also search for more directories with the Googlesearch engine at http://www.google.com.
SAMPLE: LETTER OF OFFER
10th November, 2018
The director,
Commercial department
Dear Sir,
Letter of offer to supply hardwood charcoal
Please permit me to introduce our company. We are B.C. & Bros. Int’l Nig. Ltd an international trade outfit registered under the companies and allied matters act of the federal republic of Nigeria.
We are also licensed to embark on export transaction by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
We offer in principle hardwood charcoal with the following terms:
Product name: Hardwood charcoal
Country of origin: Nigeria
Specifications: moisture content 8% max, ash content 7%max, non volatile
matter 4%max, fix carbon 80% min, dimension 30-100mm (no dust below 20mm)
triple sieved with mesh, no unburnt wood.
Packaging method: Bulk
Port of loading: Tin can Island Port, Lagos
Price: 250euro/ton, FOB, Lagos
We look forward to a mutually profitable business relationship.
Best regards,
Your name
CEO
Tradolic Nigeria Ltd
0903228***
Upon acknowledgement and acceptance of offer by the prospective buyer and a method of payment agreed by both parties, an export sales contract is signed between buyer and seller.
SAMPLE: EXPORT SALES CONTRACT
Contracted to be drafted with COMPANY LETTER HEADED
PAPER with contact details
7th September, 2008
EXPORT SALES CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY OF SESAME SEED
This contract is for the sale of sesame seed and should be utilized solely for the purpose of this transaction
Contract number: KBS/0908/001
Buyer’s details
Company name: HASSAT GROUP
Address: 10 Hatam road by Tequila square
City: Abu Dhabi
Country: UAE
Phone/ fax: +98234564105, +98235678197
Contact person: Mr. Abdul Mohammed
Seller’s details
Company name: Tradolic Limited
Address: Suite 45, Isaac John, Ikeja Lagos.
City: Lagos
Country: Nigeria
Phone/ fax: +2348534785
Contact person: Mr. Akeem Okeke
Name of product: Sesame seed
Country of origin & supply: Nigeria
Specifications Color: white
Oil content: 48-50%
Moisture content: 12%max
FFA: 2%max
Admixture: 2%max
Packaging: 50kg pp bags
Quantity: 30MTS (2 X 20 feet containers)
Price: 2,000US$/ Ton
Contract value: US$60,000 (Sixty thousand naira only)
Incoterm: FOB, Lagos
Method of payment: 100% confirmed irrevocable letter of
credit
Terms of payment: 100% payment to be effected upon
sighting of shipping documents
Method of delivery: By sea
Terms of delivery: Product to be stuffed into 20’ containers
two weeks upon confirmation of payment instrument.
Buyer’s signature/date……….. Seller’s
signature/date………………
Summary of Export-Import Procedure
EXPORT-IMPORT PROCEDURE
1 Seller and Buyer conclude a sales contract, with method of payment usually by letter of credit (documentary credit).
2 Buyer applies to his issuing bank, usually in Buyer’s country, for letter of credit in favor of Seller (beneficiary).
3 Issuing bank requests another bank, usually a correspondent bank in Seller’s country, to advice, and usually to confirm, the credit.
4 Advising bank, usually in Seller’s country, forwards letter of credit to Seller informing about the terms and conditions of credit.
5 If credit terms and conditions conform to sales contract, Seller prepares goods and documentation, and arranges delivery of goods to carrier.
6 Seller presents documents evidencing the shipment and draft (bill of exchange) to paying, accepting or negotiating bank named in the credit (the advising bank usually), or any bank willing to negotiate under the terms of credit.
7 Bank examines the documents and draft for compliance with credit terms. If complied with, bank will pay, accept or negotiate.
8 Bank, if other than the issuing bank, sends the documents and draft to the issuing bank.
9 Bank examines the documents and draft for compliance with credit terms. If complied with, Seller’s draft is honored.
10 Documents release to Buyer after payment or on other terms agreed between the bank and Buyer.
11 Buyer surrenders bill of lading to carrier (in case of ocean freight) in exchange for the goods or the delivery order.
FREIGHT FORWARDING
Freight forwarder
This is a specialized firm and it performs the following functions on behalf of the exporter advising on the best route to undertake and the relative shipping cost Booking the necessary space and containers with the shipping line
Arranging with the exporter for packaging and subsequent marketing of the goods Consolidating shipments from different exporters (Groupage)
Handling customs insurance abroad Arranging marine insurance for the shipment Preparing the export documents Arranging for transport that will convey container to and fro the stuffing warehouse back to the port of shipment.
In other words, the freight forwarder who in most cases is a customs broker is the one that actually tells an exporter the cost of shipping and insurance.
SHIPPING DOCUMENTS
These include
Final commercial invoice:
This is the exporting firms invoice, addressed to the importer describing The goods shipped, Unit price of each commodity that was shipped and The total amount that must be paid
The exporter may also be asked to when providing an export quotation for the foreign buyer to supply a PROFORMA INVOICE to the buyer. This document shows the foreign buyer what the commercial invoice would look like if an order is placed. The exchange authorities in the foreign country some times require it before an import license is issued.
Certificate of origin:
This is a document which indicates the country in which the goods were produced. It is required whenever preferential duties are claimed.
Bill of lading: The shipping company that is transporting the goods to their foreign destination, listing items by items and the goods being shipped. It serves three basic purposes: To acknowledge the receipt by the carrier of the exporter’s
goods To indicate the carrier’s contractual obligation to transport the goods to their destination in exchange for payment To record transfer of title (or ownership) from the seller to the buyer when payment of the goods takes place
Certificate of quality and quantity: This is a document issued by a reputable inspection agency such as SGS, Alexis Stewart, Alfred Knight, Cotectna, Bureau Veritas etc. certifying the quantity and quality of shipment made by the exporter. The essence is to ensure that a third party confirms what the exporter has declared in his shipping documents.
HOW TO OPEN AN EXPORT TRANSACTION
According to federal government’s regulation stipulating that all export transaction must be well documented to ensure a comprehensive monitoring of all export activities in the non oil sector. Subsequently, such documentation will assist government in keeping a detailed statistics on the performance and impact of non oil export to our national
GDP. Official export documentation is necessary so as to ensure adequate sanity in the Nigerian export business environment. A well documented export transaction will also act as an evidence for the exporter when it files an application for the collection of government grant for all export.
To this end, all exporters are charged to comply strictly with regulations laid down by the relevant authorities as it concerns export.
To open an export transaction, an exporter approaches the foreign trade department (FT) of his receiving or advising bank where he has an active cooperate domiciliary accountand then completes Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) Form popularly called NXP from. This form is synonymous with “FORM M” for import. This form must be duly filled in sextuplicate and returned to the bank with the following accompanying documents
PROFORMA INVOICE
CERTIFICATE OF INCOPORATION
EXPORT LICENSE
REQUEST FOR INSPECTION (RFI) FORM
The receiving bank officer will then sign, acknowledging receipt of the NXP form, proforma invoice and other relevant documents from the exporter. The exporter after submitting the said documents is mandated to pay for NIGERIAN
EXPORT SUPERVISION SCHEME (NESS). In return, the bank officer issues the exporter photocopies of the Duly completed NXP form Proforma invoice
Ness charge receipt (original and photocopy)
These are the documents which the exporter will issue to his freight forwarder or customs broker for subsequent booking of container/ cargo space for shipping.
STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE ON HOW TO EXPORT ANY NIGERIAN PRODUCT
Seller (prospective exporter) incorporates company and subsequently registers business with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Seller approaches bank and opens a cooperate domiciliary account (USD/EURO/POUNDS) with which the company can repatriate export payments (payments).
Seller gathers information as it concerns the source for the procurement of the commodity intended for export.
Seller should try as much as possible to gather as per the export market requirement of the commodity for export. Seller must ensure that product is available in large quantity such that it would meet the minimum order that could be requested by buyer (foreign importer). At this stage the services of an export consultant/ facilitator/ manager would be both invaluable and indispensable because of the pitfalls it would save the new exporter from falling into.
Seller embarks on a massive search for the buyer of the commodity in question. The search could be done online or offline.
Buyer and seller conclude an export contract with a secured and confirmed method of payment.
Seller may investigate buyer’s genuineness
Seller approaches bank and opens NXP for the transaction. Seller approaches a reliable freight forwarder who advices on the best shipping line, routes and any other documentation that may be relevant for that transaction. Seller consolidates with credible suppliers of the commodity intended for export to ensure timely delivery of commodity for export.
Upon arrival of goods, freight forwarder arranges for transport and containerization of goods.
Loaded container is dropped at the shipping terminal for Subsequent shipment.
Upon sailing of carrier vessel, shipping line issues seller with debit note. Seller obtains bill of lading from shipping line after payment of charges as indicated in the debit note.
Seller deposits shipping documents with the receiving/ collecting bank that subsequently sends them to buyer’s bank for remitting of export proceeds.
Upon receipt of payment, seller prepares for another export transaction.
Thank you for completion.
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Article credit: Cokodeal contributor
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